Convertible childproof to non-childproof bottle and method of opening same

ABSTRACT

A convertible childproof to non-childproof bottle comprising a container that has a mouth opening, a lid selectively movable between a closed position in which it closes the container mouth opening and an opened position in which it clears the container mouth opening for allowing access into the container, complementary interlocking and releasable first container and lid locking elements respectively located on the container and the lid engageable to releasably lock the lid in the closed position, and complementary interlocking and releasable second container and lid locking elements engageable to additionally releasably lock the lid in the closed position. The second container and lid locking elements can be permanently disabled to convert the bottle from a childproof mode where the lid is releasably locked in the closed position by both the first and second container and lid locking elements to a non-childproof mode where the lid is releasably locked in the closed position by the first container and lid locking elements only.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to child-proof bottles, and more particularly to a convertible child-proof to non-child-proof bottle and to a method of opening same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Childproof bottles are used to store medicine or other elements that would be harmful to children. The childproof bottles usually comprise a container and a lid that closes the container mouth opening, with the lid requiring dexterity or strength to open, not usually present in young children. For example, some childproof bottles comprise a lid that screws onto the container and that requires the user to forcefully push the lid against the container enough to overcome a biasing force to have the threads of the lid engage the threads of the bottle. When this biasing force is overcome by pushing the lid and the lid is simultaneously rotated, the lid can be unscrewed.

A problem associated with the use of such bottles, is that some users for whom the wares in the bottle are destined, simply do not have the necessary strength or dexterity to successfully handle the childproof device provided on the bottle. For example, people with muscular or articulation disorders, elderly persons, or persons affected by a temporary or chronic medical condition, may not be able to open the bottle and access the desired and required medicine located therein, which is of course problematic. Or, some users simply do not have children at home and do not wish to be hampered by a childproof bottle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to a convertible childproof to non-childproof bottle comprising:

-   -   a container comprising a mouth opening;     -   a lid selectively movable between a closed position in which it         closes said container mouth opening and an opened position in         which it clears said container mouth opening for allowing access         into said container;     -   complementary interlocking and releasable first container and         lid locking elements respectively located on said container and         said lid engageable to releasably lock said lid in said closed         position;     -   complementary interlocking and releasable second container and         lid locking elements engageable to additionally releasably lock         said lid in said closed position;         wherein said second container and lid locking elements can be         permanently disabled to convert said bottle from a childproof         mode where said lid is releasably locked in said closed position         by both said first and second container and lid locking elements         to a non-childproof mode where said lid is releasably locked in         said closed position by said first container and lid locking         elements only.

In one embodiment, said second container and lid locking elements comprise a first deflectable tab attached to one of said container and said lid and at a first complementary shoulder provided on the other of said container and said lid, said first deflectable tab being movable from a locking position wherein it engages said first shoulder and prevents said lid from being removed from said container and a released position in which it clears said first shoulder to allow said lid to be removed from said container, with said first deflectable tab being continuously biased towards said locking position.

In one embodiment, said first deflectable tab can be removed from said one of said container and said lid so as to be removable to permanently disable said second container and lid locking elements.

In one embodiment, said first deflectable tab is attached to said container and can be sheared off from said container, and said first shoulder is provided on said lid.

In one embodiment, said first deflectable tab comprises a main body and a bridge spacedly linking said main body to said container, said main body having a hook portion extending away from said bridge and an actionable portion extending away from said bridge in a direction opposite said hook portion, said hook portion for engagement with said first shoulder, with said bridge being frangible to allow said first flexible tab to be permanently removed from said container.

In one embodiment, said lid comprises a first protective fin that forms a loop in which said first deflectable tab is at least partly housed when said lid is in said closed position for preventing said first deflectable tab from being removed from said container when said lid is in said closed position, said first deflectable tab consequently being removable from said container when said lid is moved away from said closed position.

In one embodiment, said second container and lid locking elements comprise a second deflectable tab attached to said container and a second complementary shoulder provided on said lid, said second deflectable tab being movable from a locking position wherein it engages said second shoulder and prevents said lid from being removed from said container and a released position in which it clears said second shoulder to allow said lid to be removed from said container, with said second deflectable tab being continuously biased towards said locking position; wherein said second deflectable tab comprises a main body and a bridge spacedly linking said main body to said container, said main body having a hook portion extending away from said bridge and an actionable portion extending away from said bridge in a direction opposite said hook portion, said hook portion for engagement with said shoulder, with said bridge being frangible to allow the removal of said second flexible tab from said container; and wherein said lid comprises a second protective fin that forms a loop in which said second deflectable tab is at least partly housed when said lid is in said closed position for preventing said second deflectable tab from being removed from said container when said lid is in said closed position, said second deflectable tab consequently being removable from said container when said lid is moved away from said closed position.

In one embodiment, said first container and lid locking elements comprise a deflectable tongue on one of said container and said lid and a complementary lip on the other of said container and said lid, said deflectable tongue being movable from a locking position wherein it engages said lip and releasably locks said lid in said closed position and a released position in which it clears said lip said lid to be moved away from said closed position and towards said opened position, with said deflectable tongue being continuously biased towards said locking position.

In one embodiment, said deflectable tongue is provided on said lid and said lip is provided on said container.

In one embodiment, said lid is pivotally attached to said container with a hinge.

The present invention also relates to a method of using a convertible childproof to non-childproof bottle comprising a container that defines a mouth opening and a lid selectively movable between a closed position in which it closes said container mouth opening and an opened position in which it clears said container mouth opening for allowing access into said container, said bottle further comprising complementary interlocking and releasable first container and lid locking elements respectively located on said container and said lid and releasably locking said lid in said closed position, and complementary interlocking and releasable second container and lid locking elements respectively located on said container and said lid and additionally releasably locking said lid in said closed position, said method comprising either one of:

-   -   using the bottle in childproof mode, comprising opening said         bottle by simultaneously releasing said first and second         container and lid locking elements to allow said lid to be moved         away from said closed position and towards said opened position;         and     -   using the bottle in non-childproof mode, comprising permanently         disabling said second container and lid locking elements and         thereafter opening said bottle by releasing said first container         and lid locking elements to allow said lid to be moved away from         said closed position and towards said opened position.

In one embodiment, said second container and lid locking elements comprise a first deflectable tab attached to one of said container and said lid and a first complementary shoulder provided on the other of said container and said lid, said step of releasing said second container and lid locking elements to allow said lid to be moved away from said closed position and towards said opened position comprising moving said first deflectable tab from an engaged position wherein it engages said first shoulder to a released position in which it clears said first shoulder, with said first deflectable tab being continuously biased towards said engaged position.

In one embodiment, the step of permanently disabling said second container and lid locking elements comprises removing said first deflectable tab from said one of said container and said lid.

In one embodiment, said first deflectable tab is attached to said container and said first shoulder is provided on said lid, the step of removing said first deflectable tab from said one of said container and said lid comprises shearing off said first deflectable tab from said container.

In one embodiment, said first deflectable tab comprises a main body and a frangible bridge spacedly linking said main body to said container, said main body having a hook portion extending away from said bridge and an actionable portion extending away from said bridge in a direction opposite said hook portion, the step of releasing said second container and lid locking elements comprising disengaging said hook portion of said first deflectable tab from said first shoulder, and the step of shearing off said first deflectable tab from said container comprising shearing said bridge of said first deflectable tab.

In one embodiment, said lid comprises a first protective fin that forms a loop in which said first deflectable tab is at least partly housed when said lid is in said closed position for preventing said first deflectable tab from being removed from said container when said lid is in said closed position, said step of permanently disabling at least one of said second container and lid locking elements being preceded by first simultaneously releasing said first and second container and lid locking elements and moving said lid away from said closed position, then accomplishing the step of shearing off said first deflectable tab from said container, with the step of thereafter releasing said first container and lid locking elements to move said lid away from said closed position and towards said opened position becoming available once said lid is once again moved into its closed position.

In one embodiment, said second container and lid locking elements comprise a second deflectable tab attached to said container and a second complementary shoulder provided on said lid, said step of releasing said second container and lid locking elements to allow said lid to be moved away from said closed position and towards said opened position comprising moving said second deflectable tab from an engaged position wherein it engages said second shoulder to a released position in which it clears said second shoulder, with said second deflectable tab being continuously biased towards said locking position; wherein said second deflectable tab comprises a main body and a bridge spacedly linking said main body to said container, said main body having a hook portion extending away from said bridge and an actionable portion extending away from said bridge in a direction opposite said hook portion, said hook portion for engagement with said shoulder, with said bridge being frangible, the step of releasing said second container and lid locking elements comprising disengaging said hook portion of said second deflectable tab from said second shoulder, and the step of shearing off said first deflectable tab from said container comprises shearing said bridge of said second deflectable tab; and wherein said lid comprises a second protective fin that forms a loop in which said second deflectable tab is at least partly housed when said lid is in said closed position for preventing said second deflectable tab from being removed from said container when said lid is in said closed position, said step of permanently disabling at least one of said second container and lid locking elements being preceded by first simultaneously releasing said first and second container and lid locking elements and moving said lid away from said closed position, then accomplishing the step of shearing off both said first and second deflectable tabs from said container, with the step of thereafter releasing said first container and lid locking elements to move said lid away from said closed position and towards said opened position becoming available once said lid is once again moved into its closed position.

In one embodiment, said first container and lid locking elements comprise a deflectable tongue on one of said container and said lid and a complementary lip on the other of said container and said lid, said step of releasing said first container and lid locking elements comprising moving said deflectable tongue from an engaged position wherein it engages said lip and releasably locks said lid in said closed position to a released position in which it clears said lip to allow said lid to be moved away from said closed position and towards said opened position, with said deflectable tongue being continuously biased towards said locking position.

In one embodiment, said deflectable tongue is provided on said lid and said lip is provided on said container.

In one embodiment, said lid is pivotally attached to said container with a hinge.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the annexed drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the convertible childproof to non-childproof bottle of the present invention with the lid closed and the deflectable tabs attached to the container;

FIG. 2 is similar to FIG. 1 but with the lid opened;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional elevation taken along line III-III of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the area circumscribed by line IV of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, but with the lid partly opened;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional elevation taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the area circumscribed by line VII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7, but with the lid partly opened;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the area circumscribed by line IX of FIG. 2;

FIG. 9a is similar to FIG. 9, but with the deflectable tabs torn away from the container;

FIG. 10 is similar to FIG. 2, but with the deflectable tabs torn away from the container; and

FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 1 but has the deflectable tabs removed from the container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The convertible childproof to non-childproof bottle of the present invention allows the bottle to be used with a childproof safety device if desired or without a childproof safety device by allowing to permanently disable the childproof safety device. Still, without the childproof safety device, releasably locking the lid remains possible to avoid the content from being accidentally spilled; so non-childproof locking elements are also provided on the bottle to allow the bottle to be closed and releasably locked in any circumstance.

More particularly, FIGS. 1-11 show that the bottle 20 according to the present invention. Bottle 20 can be made of any suitable material, such as rigid plastic that can be resiliently deformed where a reduced thickness of the bottle walls allows. Bottle 20 comprises a container 22 defining an upper and a lower end 22 a, 22 b. Container 22 has a cylindrical peripheral wall 24, a circular flat bottom wall 26 at lower end 22 b and a circular mouth opening 28 at upper end 22 a. Bottle 20 also comprises a lid 30 that is selectively movable between a closed position in which it closes the container mouth opening 26 and an opened position in which it clears the container mouth opening 26 for allowing access into container 22, as detailed hereinafter.

Lid 30 is more particularly pivotally attached to container 22 with a hinge 32 that comprises a resiliently deformable web that integrally links lid 30 to container 22. Hinge 32 continuously biases lid 30 towards it opened position, but this bias is easily overcome by a person applying pressure with one of his fingers to force lid 30 towards its closed position.

Container 22 comprises a peripheral flange 34 attached to container cylindrical wall 24 slightly below mouth opening 28. Peripheral flange 34 peripherally extends about container 22 at its upper end 22 a so as to be located spacedly radially outwardly of container mouth opening 28. An upwardly open trough 36 is defined between flange 34 and cylindrical wall 24 near mouth opening 28.

A recess 38 is provided on flange 34 diametrically opposite hinge 32 and a lip 40 extends upwardly from flange 34 in recess 38. Lip 40 is crooked so as to define a radially outwardly projecting finger 41 at its outer free extremity (see particularly FIGS. 7 and 8).

Gaps 46, 48 are formed in peripheral flange 34 on diametrically opposite sides of container 22, spacedly in-between hinge 32 and recess 38. First and second deflectable tabs 42, 44 are provided in gaps 46, 48 and are removably attached to peripheral flange 34.

More particularly, each deflectable tab 42, 44, for example deflectable tab 44 shown at a larger scale in FIGS. 4, 5, 9 and 9 a, comprises a main body 49 that is removably attached to adjacent ridges 54, 56 of peripheral flange 34 that are formed by the interruption of peripheral flange 34 at gaps 46, 48. Thin frangible bridges 58, 60 link main body 49 to peripheral flange 34. Flexible tab main body 49 is generally flat and has a hook portion 50 that extends away from bridges 58, 60 and that includes a hook 51 at its outer free end; and an actionable portion 52 that extends away from bridges 58, 60 in a direction opposite hook portion 50. Frangible bridges 58, 60 allow main body 49 to pivot about an axis extending through bridges 58, 60: pressing on actionable portion 52 consequently forces hook portion 50 to pivot away from lid 30 when lid 30 is in its closed position. Frangible bridges 58, 60 can also tear to allow main body 49 to be removed by shearing bridges 58, 60 as suggested in FIG. 10.

Lid 30 defines an upper and a lower end 30 a, 30 b with lid lower end 30 b engaging the container upper end 22 a when lid 30 is in its closed position. Lid 30 has a circular flat top wall 72 at upper end 30 a and a cylindrical skirt 70 depending from top wall 72. Skirt 70 defines a circular mouth opening 74 at lid lower end 30 b. The lid skirt 70 is diametrically slightly larger than that of container peripheral wall 24 but slightly smaller than that of container peripheral flange 34 so that the bottom edge of skirt 70 fits snugly within trough 36 when lid is in its closed position, as detailed hereinafter. Hinge 32 is integrally fixed to skirt 70.

Lid 30 also comprises a deflectable tongue 76 located diametrically opposite hinge 32, in register with lip 40 and recess 38 when lid 30 is in its closed position. Deflectable tongue 74 is integrally fixed to lid 30 at the junction of peripheral wall 70 and top wall 72 in such a way as to be spaced from peripheral wall 70 to form a cavity 78 between deflectable tongue 74 and skirt 70. A rib 80 is formed on deflectable tongue 74 within cavity 78 in register with lip 40 when lid 30 is in its closed position.

Lid 30 further comprises first and second protective fins 82, 84 on diametrically opposite sides of skirt 70 and spacedly in-between hinge 32 and deflectable tongue 76. Protective fins 82, 84 form a loop in which first and second deflectable tabs 42, 44 are respectively partly housed when lid is in its closed position, i.e. protective fins 82, 84 are then located about deflectable tabs 42, 44 although the outer free ends of hook portions 50 and deflectable portions 52 project outwardly of protective fins 82, 84.

Lid 30 further comprises first and second shoulders 86, 88 formed on the outer surface of skirt 70 in facing register with a respective one of protective fins 82, 84 (see FIGS. 7 and 8).

In use, deflectable tongue 76 of lid 30 and lip 40 of container 22 form complementary interlocking and releasable first container and lid locking elements that are engageable to releasably lock lid 30 in its closed position. More particularly, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, when lid is moved into its closed position shown in FIG. 7, lip 40 engages cavity 78 of lid 30 until finger 41 is forced beyond rib 80, with deflectable tongue 76 resiliently deflecting to allow the passage of finger 41 between rib 80 and skirt 70. The abutment of finger 41 on rib 80 releasably locks lid 30 in its closed position. To open lid 30 as shown in FIG. 8, upward pressure can be applied on lid 30 for example by pressing with one's finger on the bottom edge 76 a of deflectable tongue 76, to force deflectable tongue 76 to resiliently deflect outwardly until rib 80 clears finger 41 to allow lip 40 to be released from cavity 78. Deflectable tongue 76 is consequently movable from a locking position wherein it engages lip 40 and releasably locks lid 30 in its closed position and a released position in which it clears lip 40 to allow lid 30 to be moved away from its closed position and towards its opened position, with deflectable tongue 76 being continuously biased towards its locking position but being allowed to resiliently deflect away therefrom under external pressure by a user.

First and second deflectable tabs 42, 44 and first and second shoulders 86, 88 form complementary interlocking and releasable second container and lid locking elements that are engageable to additionally releasably lock lid 30 in its closed position. More particularly, deflectable tabs 42, 44 will cooperate with shoulders 86, 88 as follows, taking the example of deflectable tab 44 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, but it being understood that the same operation will occur simultaneously with deflectable tab 42. When lid 30 is moved into its closed position shown in FIG. 4, deflectable tab 44 will engage the area between skirt 70 and protective fin 84 with deflectable tab hook portion 50 pivotally resiliently deflecting outwardly upon hook 51 sliding against shoulder 88 until hook 51 clears shoulder 88 at which point deflectable tab 44 will be biased through its intrinsic resiliency towards the position shown in FIG. 4 where hook 51 will snap over shoulder 88. The abutment of hook 51 over shoulder 88 releasably locks lid 30 in its closed position. To open lid 30 as shown in FIG. 5, a person can apply pressure with his finger on the actionable portion 52 of deflectable tab 44 towards container wall 24, to pivotally resiliently force hook portion 50 outwardly away from lid skirt 70 until hook 51 clears shoulder 88 which allows deflectable tab from being released from the area between skirt 70 and protective fin 84. Deflectable tab 44 is consequently movable from a locking position wherein it engages shoulder 88 and prevents lid 30 from being removed from container 22 and a released position in which it clears first shoulder 88 to allow lid 30 to be removed from container 22, with deflectable tab 44 being continuously biased towards its locking position but being allowed to resiliently deflect away therefrom under external pressure by a user.

The combination of:

-   -   a) the complementary interlocking and releasable first container         and lid locking elements in the form of the lid deflectable         tongue 76 and container lip 40; and     -   b) the complementary interlocking and releasable second         container and lid locking elements in the form of the         deflectable tabs 42, 44 and shoulders 86, 88;         allows the lid 30 to be releasably locked to container 22 in a         childproof fashion since it requires significant dexterity to         simultaneously operate both the first and second lid locking         elements. In practice, this operation will be accomplished by a         person using both hands to open lid 30 in two steps:     -   1) first, using his thumb and another finger (such as his index         finger) of one hand, the person will press on the actionable         portions 52 of deflectable tabs 42, 44 to release hooks 51 from         shoulders 86, 88;     -   2) then, using any finger (such as the thumb) of the other hand,         the person will push on deflectable tongue 76 upwardly to         release rib 80 from underneath finger 41.

A children of low age is not expected to have the required dexterity to operate both the first and second container and lid locking elements in this order.

In certain circumstances, for example if the bottle 20 is to be used by a person that should be allowed to have access to its content while this person does not have the desire or dexterity to operate both the first and second container and lid locking elements, then the second container and lid locking elements can be permanently disabled to convert bottle 20 from a childproof mode where lid 30 is releasably locked in its closed position by both the first and second container and lid locking elements to a non-childproof mode where lid 30 is releasably locked in its closed position by the first container and lid locking elements only.

To permanently disable the second container and lid locking elements, deflectable tabs 42, 44 are removed from container 22 by shearing bridges 58, 60 as suggested in FIGS. 9a and 10. Once this is done, only the first container and lid locking elements remain on bottle 20. It then becomes much easier to open lid 30 by simply pushing upwardly on deflectable tongue 76 as detailed above.

Consequently, the present invention relates to a method of opening the convertible childproof to non-childproof bottle 20 that comprises either one of:

-   -   using bottle 20 in childproof mode, comprising simultaneously         releasing the first and second container and lid locking         elements to allow lid 30 to be moved away from its closed         position and towards its opened position; and     -   using bottle 20 in non-childproof mode, comprising permanently         disabling the second container and lid locking elements and         thereafter releasing the first container and lid locking         elements to allow the lid to be moved away from uts closed         position and towards its opened position.

Protective fins 82, 84 prevent the removal of deflectable tabs 42, 44 when lid 30 is in its closed position by overlying deflectable tabs and preventing shearing from container 22. This is desirable to avoid a child playing with bottle 20 from accidentally removing deflectable tabs 42, 44, for example by tearing them off with his teeth. Also, protective fins 82, 84 slightly increase the required dexterity for opening lid 30 since the actionable portion 52 of deflectable tabs 42, 44 needs to be more precisely targeted to move deflectable tabs into their released position.

In one embodiment (not shown), protective fins are not provided on the bottle of the invention, with the deflectable tabs then being less protected, but the invention otherwise working as noted above.

In one embodiment (not shown), the second container and lid locking elements comprise a single deflectable tab with complementary shoulder.

In one embodiment, the deflectable tabs are pivotally and removably attached to the lid while their complementary shoulders are provided on the container.

In one embodiment (not shown), the deflectable tongue is provided on the container and the lip is provided on the lid. 

1. A convertible childproof to non-childproof bottle comprising: a container comprising a mouth opening; a lid selectively movable between a closed position in which it closes said container mouth opening and an opened position in which it clears said container mouth opening for allowing access into said container; complementary interlocking and releasable first container and lid locking elements respectively located on said container and said lid engageable to releasably lock said lid in said closed position; complementary interlocking and releasable second container and lid locking elements respectively located on said container and said lid engageable to additionally releasably lock said lid in said closed position; wherein said second container and lid locking elements can be permanently disabled to convert said bottle from a childproof mode where said lid is releasably locked in said closed position by both said first and second container and lid locking elements to a non-childproof mode where said lid is releasably locked in said closed position by said first container and lid locking elements only.
 2. A bottle as defined in claim 1, wherein said second container and lid locking elements comprise a first deflectable tab attached to one of said container and said lid and at a first complementary shoulder provided on the other of said container and said lid, said first deflectable tab being movable from a locking position wherein it engages said first shoulder and prevents said lid from being removed from said container and a released position in which it clears said first shoulder to allow said lid to be removed from said container, with said first deflectable tab being continuously biased towards said locking position.
 3. A bottle as defined in claim 2, wherein said first deflectable tab can be removed from said one of said container and said lid so as to be removable to permanently disable said second container and lid locking elements.
 4. A bottle as defined in claim 3, wherein said first deflectable tab is attached to said container and can be sheared off from said container, and said first shoulder is provided on said lid.
 5. A bottle as defined in claim 4, wherein said first deflectable tab comprises a main body and a bridge spacedly linking said main body to said container, said main body having a hook portion extending away from said bridge and an actionable portion extending away from said bridge in a direction opposite said hook portion, said hook portion for engagement with said first shoulder, with said bridge being frangible to allow said first flexible tab to be permanently removed from said container.
 6. A bottle as defined in claim 5, wherein said lid comprises a first protective fin that forms a loop in which said first deflectable tab is at least partly housed when said lid is in said closed position for preventing said first deflectable tab from being removed from said container when said lid is in said closed position, said first deflectable tab consequently being removable from said container when said lid is moved away from said closed position.
 7. A bottle as defined in claim 6, wherein said second container and lid locking elements comprise a second deflectable tab attached to said container and a second complementary shoulder provided on said lid, said second deflectable tab being movable from a locking position wherein it engages said second shoulder and prevents said lid from being removed from said container and a released position in which it clears said second shoulder to allow said lid to be removed from said container, with said second deflectable tab being continuously biased towards said locking position; wherein said second deflectable tab comprises a main body and a bridge spacedly linking said main body to said container, said main body having a hook portion extending away from said bridge and an actionable portion extending away from said bridge in a direction opposite said hook portion, said hook portion for engagement with said shoulder, with said bridge being frangible to allow the removal of said second flexible tab from said container; and wherein said lid comprises a second protective fin that forms a loop in which said second deflectable tab is at least partly housed when said lid is in said closed position for preventing said second deflectable tab from being removed from said container when said lid is in said closed position, said second deflectable tab consequently being removable from said container when said lid is moved away from said closed position.
 8. A bottle as defined in claim 7, wherein said first container and lid locking elements comprise a deflectable tongue on one of said container and said lid and a complementary lip on the other of said container and said lid, said deflectable tongue being movable from a locking position wherein it engages said lip and releasably locks said lid in said closed position and a released position in which it clears said lip said lid to be moved away from said closed position and towards said opened position, with said deflectable tongue being continuously biased towards said locking position.
 9. A bottle as defined in claim 8, wherein said deflectable tongue is provided on said lid and said lip is provided on said container.
 10. A bottle as defined in claim 9, wherein said lid is pivotally attached to said container with a hinge.
 11. A method of using a convertible childproof to non-childproof bottle comprising a container that defines a mouth opening and a lid selectively movable between a closed position in which it closes said container mouth opening and an opened position in which it clears said container mouth opening for allowing access into said container, said bottle further comprising complementary interlocking and releasable first container and lid locking elements respectively located on said container and said lid and releasably locking said lid in said closed position, and complementary interlocking and releasable second container and lid locking elements respectively located on said container and said lid and additionally releasably locking said lid in said closed position, said method comprising either one of: using the bottle in childproof mode, comprising opening said bottle by simultaneously releasing said first and second container and lid locking elements to allow said lid to be moved away from said closed position and towards said opened position; and using the bottle in non-childproof mode, comprising permanently disabling said second container and lid locking elements and thereafter opening said bottle by releasing said first container and lid locking elements to allow said lid to be moved away from said closed position and towards said opened position.
 12. A method as defined in claim 11, wherein said second container and lid locking elements comprise a first deflectable tab attached to one of said container and said lid and a first complementary shoulder provided on the other of said container and said lid, said step of releasing said second container and lid locking elements to allow said lid to be moved away from said closed position and towards said opened position comprising moving said first deflectable tab from an engaged position wherein it engages said first shoulder to a released position in which it clears said first shoulder, with said first deflectable tab being continuously biased towards said engaged position.
 13. A method as defined in claim 12, wherein the step of permanently disabling said second container and lid locking elements comprises removing said first deflectable tab from said one of said container and said lid.
 14. A method as defined in claim 13, wherein said first deflectable tab is attached to said container and said first shoulder is provided on said lid, the step of removing said first deflectable tab from said one of said container and said lid comprises shearing off said first deflectable tab from said container.
 15. A method as defined in claim 14, wherein said first deflectable tab comprises a main body and a frangible bridge spacedly linking said main body to said container, said main body having a hook portion extending away from said bridge and an actionable portion extending away from said bridge in a direction opposite said hook portion, the step of releasing said second container and lid locking elements comprising disengaging said hook portion of said first deflectable tab from said first shoulder, and the step of shearing off said first deflectable tab from said container comprising shearing said bridge of said first deflectable tab.
 16. A method as defined in claim 15, wherein said lid comprises a first protective fin that forms a loop in which said first deflectable tab is at least partly housed when said lid is in said closed position for preventing said first deflectable tab from being removed from said container when said lid is in said closed position, said step of permanently disabling at least one of said second container and lid locking elements being preceded by first simultaneously releasing said first and second container and lid locking elements and moving said lid away from said closed position, then accomplishing the step of shearing off said first deflectable tab from said container, with the step of thereafter releasing said first container and lid locking elements to move said lid away from said closed position and towards said opened position becoming available once said lid is once again moved into its closed position.
 17. A method as defined in claim 16, wherein said second container and lid locking elements comprise a second deflectable tab attached to said container and a second complementary shoulder provided on said lid, said step of releasing said second container and lid locking elements to allow said lid to be moved away from said closed position and towards said opened position comprising moving said second deflectable tab from an engaged position wherein it engages said second shoulder to a released position in which it clears said second shoulder, with said second deflectable tab being continuously biased towards said locking position; wherein said second deflectable tab comprises a main body and a bridge spacedly linking said main body to said container, said main body having a hook portion extending away from said bridge and an actionable portion extending away from said bridge in a direction opposite said hook portion, said hook portion for engagement with said shoulder, with said bridge being frangible, the step of releasing said second container and lid locking elements comprising disengaging said hook portion of said second deflectable tab from said second shoulder, and the step of shearing off said first deflectable tab from said container comprises shearing said bridge of said second deflectable tab; and wherein said lid comprises a second protective fin that forms a loop in which said second deflectable tab is at least partly housed when said lid is in said closed position for preventing said second deflectable tab from being removed from said container when said lid is in said closed position, said step of permanently disabling at least one of said second container and lid locking elements being preceded by first simultaneously releasing said first and second container and lid locking elements and moving said lid away from said closed position, then accomplishing the step of shearing off both said first and second deflectable tabs from said container, with the step of thereafter releasing said first container and lid locking elements to move said lid away from said closed position and towards said opened position becoming available once said lid is once again moved into its closed position.
 18. A method as defined in claim 17, wherein said first container and lid locking elements comprise a deflectable tongue on one of said container and said lid and a complementary lip on the other of said container and said lid, said step of releasing said first container and lid locking elements comprising moving said deflectable tongue from an engaged position wherein it engages said lip and releasably locks said lid in said closed position to a released position in which it clears said lip to allow said lid to be moved away from said closed position and towards said opened position, with said deflectable tongue being continuously biased towards said locking position.
 19. A method as defined in claim 18, wherein said deflectable tongue is provided on said lid and said lip is provided on said container.
 20. A method as defined in claim 19, wherein said lid is pivotally attached to said container with a hinge. 